Occupational Obesity - Sumo Wrestlers
Taking a look at Sumo wrestlers, it can be noticed that apart from excessive body weight, their musculoskeletal system has an unusual shape.
Sumo Wrestler - In a standing position (Upright position)
1. They have an excessive inward curvature of the neck (cervical) spine.
2. They have an excessive outward curvature of the middle and upper back (thoracic) spine.
3. They also have an excessive inward curvature of the low back (lumbar) spine.
4. Their pelvis is excessively rolled forward.
Sumo Wrestler - During wrestling practice and competition - (Semi-upright position)
1. They have an excessive inward curvature of the neck (cervical) spine.
2. They have an excessive curvature of the middle and upper back (thoracic) spine.
3. Also, they have a flattened low back (lumbar) spine.
4. When they are standing or walking, their pelvis is in a semi-horizontal position.
It can be noticed that the heavier they are, the musculoskeletal changes become more visible. The most visible musculoskeletal changes are the excessive curvature of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine.
When the curvature of their cervical spine is more excessive, their neck is shorter. Particularly with sumo wrestlers that have an excessive body mass that is above average, their neck is so short that is almost not visible.
Almost everyone believes that the sumo diet is responsible for their body weight, but if it is the sumo-diet that makes their body weight then Sumo Wrestlers should continue to gain weight. The fact is, their weight stabilises at some point without reduced food intake and without increasing physical activity.
The reason for overweight and obesity among sumo wrestlers is their occupational physical activity. Their occupational physical activity induces adverse musculoskeletal changes.
Restriction of food intake or any other diet for weight loss will not do any good for weight loss, as it doesn’t work for the rest of the population that have weight problems.
According to the Japan Sumo Association, “In 1953, the average weight of a sumo wrestler was 317 pounds, while the average height was 5-foot 11. Today, the average wrestler is just 3.2 inches taller, but 95 pounds heavier.”
The recent increase in the average weight of sumo wrestlers cannot be attributed to their occupation but to a man-made environment which promotes adverse musculoskeletal changes.
Modern upholstered sitting furniture like the armchair, sofa and couch promotes adverse musculoskeletal changes that are very similar to adverse musculoskeletal changes induced by sumo wrestling.
Occupational physical occupation activity is the main reason for obesity in sumo wrestlers. The man-made environment (modern upholstered sitting furniture) is a contributing factor.
There is no diet or drug that will reverse the unnatural curvature of the cervical spine, the thoracic spine or other adverse musculoskeletal changes.
The only way to regain a natural body weight is to regain the musculoskeletal system’s natural shape.